Appeals Against Assessment Board

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Appeals Against Assessment Board

1. Introduction and context

1.1 Preamble 

1.1.1 This Appeals against Assessment Board Decisions procedure is intended to   provide a formal means for reviewing a decision made on student progression, assessment and award in order to resolve the student's concerns in a fair and consistent manner.

1.1.2 This is different from the Student Complaints Procedure which provides a means for resolving specific problems or areas of concern students may have that relate to the teaching provision or university services more generally.

1.1.3 The Complaints and Appeals team will make a case-by-case assessment of the best way to handle complex or interconnected cases, considering a flexible approach within its normal procedures where reasonable and applicable.

1.1.4 The University Secretary is responsible for the development, compliance, monitoring and review of this Appeals Procedure and for overseeing the dissemination and implementation of this Appeals Procedure.

1.1.5 This Appeals Procedure will be publicised via the UEL website, the Intranet, Student Hubs and the Students’ Union.

1.2 Purpose of the Procedure

1.2.1 This Appeals Procedure will:

  • Describe the procedures whereby students may raise concerns regarding progression, assessment and award.
  • Provide students with a structured procedure to escalate such issues where it has   not proved possible to resolve them to their satisfaction through informal routes.
  • Allow for the identification of academic appeals which require particularly swift action.

1.2.2 The University will ensure that in the implementation of this Process, due regard is given to the need to ensure that students are treated fairly and without discrimination.

1.3 Definition

1.3.1 The University has adopted the following definition of academic appeal from The Good Practice Framework for Handling Complaints and Appeals (December 2022), produced by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education: 

“a challenge to or request for reconsideration of a decision by an academic body that makes decisions on student progress, assessment and awards”.

Source: Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education

1.3.2 This may include a request to change progression decisions, or final award classifications. An academic appeal relates to the outcome of an assessment or examination, or a student’s progression.

1.3.3 There are limited grounds on which an appeal will be considered, which are any of the following:

  • There is clear evidence of a significant administrative error on the part of the University or in the conduct of the assessment/examination and that this accounted for your performance.
  • The assessments had not been conducted in accordance with the approved regulations for the course of study.
  • If some other material irregularity had occurred in the procedures of the Extenuating Circumstances Panel and/or the Assessment Board
  • For a student with a disability or additional need, the initial needs assessment was not correctly carried out, or the support identified was not provided, or the agreed assessment procedures for that student were not implemented.
  • There is evidence that the extenuating circumstances were so severe as to have prevented the student from making an informed decision at the time as to whether to attempt an assessment or to apply for extenuation. 

If appealing under this ground, please ensure that you have provided all of the following:

  1. New information that has not previously been considered by the Board.
  2. Reason and evidence to explain why you feel your performance may have been adversely affected by factors evidenced in the information submitted.
  3. Reason and evidence to explain why you were unable to submit this information before the Board reached its original decision.
  4. A student cannot use the Academic Appeals procedure to appeal against a rejected Mitigating Circumstances Panel decision, except on the grounds of an administrative or procedural error. An appeal can be made under these circumstances.
  5. Where a student wishes to apply more than one ground to their appeal, they should make clear how each ground applies to their appeal, including evidence as appropriate. 

2. Scope of the Procedure

2.1.1 This Academic Appeals Process (“this Process”) allows for a student to bring an appeal against a decision made by an Assessment Board. The term ‘student’ refers to students who have registered or enrolled on their course, including those studying with academic partners. It also includes those who have recently left the University, although students (both current and former) are only able to raise issues of academic appeal within 10 working days after the publication of relevant assessment results via UEL Direct.

2.1.2 Students cannot appeal a mark or grade that is provisional, under this procedure, and has not been ratified at an Assessment Board. Students who may have concerns with their mark or grade on Moodle (prior to results being released via UELDirect) are advised to contact their module or course leader in the first instance.

2.1.3 Disagreement with the academic judgement of an Assessment Board decision cannot, in itself constitute a reason to Appeal. Academic judgement is a judgement that is made about a matter where only the opinion of an academic expert will suffice. For example, a judgement about assessment or degree classification or a judgement about a decision where a student is required   to take further assessment will usually be academic judgement. A student cannot appeal simply because they believe they ought to have received a higher grade or mark or that they do not feel it is reasonable to repeat an academic year of studies on that basis alone.

2.1.4 The following are not normally considered to be legitimate grounds for an academic appeal:

  • where a student questions the exercise of academic judgment, that is, the decision made by academic staff on the quality of the work itself or the criteria applied to mark the work (rather than the administrative marking process)
  • where a student disagrees with the conclusions reached by the individual or panel which considered their mitigating  circumstances, except on the grounds of an administrative or procedural error. An appeal can be made under these circumstances.

2.1.5 An Academic Appeal can be made in relation to fairness of procedures or facts of a case; however, there must be something which has materially affected the student’s performance.

2.1.6 This Process applies to all students of the University irrespective of mode of study, except Research Degree Students (i.e. those students studying MPhil or PhD, or Professional Doctorate students) for whom a specific and separate procedure applies (please see Section 6 -  Appeals against annual monitoring review, transfer of research degree enrolment or oral examination decision for postgraduate research degrees (including both ‘taught’ and ‘research’ Professional Doctorates)

2.1.7 Depending on when the appeal form is received by the Complaints and Appeals team and the time taken for a successful outcome decision to be issued, it may not be possible for the student to continue their studies in the current academic year if too many teaching weeks have been missed. If the re-enrolment deadline has expired, the right to return will be determined by the Chief Student Officer (or nominee). In some cases, students may be required to defer their studies to the next academic year.

2.1.8 General Guidance on the operation of this Process is set out in Appendix B.

3. Appeals Procedure Stages and Timeframes

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 The procedure is divided into  three parts, an initial consideration stage, consideration by the Assessment Board stage, and review stage for the determination of the academic appeal.

3.1.2 The procedure involves the University Secretary, or their nominee as manager and facilitator of the procedure. The role of the University Secretary (or nominee) is to ensure that the procedure is operated according to proper process and within relevant timescales, aiming to resolve Appeals as quickly as possible. Some academic appeals may require swift action, these include, but are not limited to:

  • cases where the impact of the issues raised has detrimental consequences for the student’s mental health or where the student displays significant distress.
  • cases where external time limits apply for example in meeting regulatory requirements for the completion of professional courses.  

3.2 Stage 1: Initial consideration by Complaints and Appeals team

3.2.1 Students are encouraged to seek advice and assistance from the Students’ Union via students.union@uel.ac.uk, but they should not delay submitting their appeal form whilst waiting for an appointment, as the appeal could be rejected as submitted out of time. However, students studying with a partner institution are not eligible to use the services of the Students’ Union.

3.2.2 If a student wishes to appeal against a decision or recommendation of an Assessment Board, they should complete and submit the online academic appeals form. The form should be completed within ten working days of the publication of relevant assessment results via UEL Direct. Once completed, the form will be sent to the Complaints & Appeals team automatically.

3.2.4 Once an appeal form is received, the Complaints and Appeals team will undertake an initial evaluation to check that the academic appeal is submitted under the correct procedures, falls within the grounds upon which an appeal may be made, is submitted within the deadline (and with supporting evidence) and is in the required format. This should be completed within five working days of receiving the academic appeal form. Evidence should be submitted in English. If the original document is not in English, a verified translation should be provided.

3.2.5 A student will be afforded another opportunity to provide further evidence within the next 5 working days should the original evidence considered not be valid.

3.2.6 This initial evaluation stage process may result in:

  • the student being referred to a different procedure
  • the academic appeal proceeding to formal consideration

3.2.7 An academic appeal may be rejected if it does not meet the permissible     grounds, if the supporting evidence is insufficient (i.e., does not support the appeal ground), if the time frame cited in the student’s academic appeal application is incorrect, or if it is out of time. Where an appeal is rejected at the initial evaluation stage, no offer of a review will be made and a Completion of Procedures letter will be issued.

3.2.8 The only exception to this is if you request a review of the decision to reject based on insufficient evidence. This request must be submitted to the Assistant University Secretary and Director of University Appeal, Complaints and Procedures (or nominee) within 5 working days of receiving the initial evaluation decision. You must clearly outline the reasons for requesting a review and why you believe the decision was unreasonable.

3.2.9 Grounds for requesting a review may include the presentation of new   evidence that was not previously available or the argument that the decision is perverse given the facts of the appeal.

3.2.10 Where some parts of the student’s academic appeal fall outside the permissible grounds, this will be explained to the student. There will be some cases where an appeal relates to external assessment by a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body (PSRB). In these cases, the PSRB is likely to have its own appeals procedures which must be used – should.

3.3 Stage 2 Consideration by the Assessment Board

3.3.1 Where it is determined that the appeal shall progress to Stage 2, the Complaints and Appeals Team will undertake an investigation into all the relevant issues detailed in the appeal.

3.3.2 Upon completion of these investigations, the Complaints and Appeals team will report their findings to the Chair of the Assessment Board who will make the final determination of the appeal outcome within 10 working days.  The Chair of the Assessment Board shall consider these findings and where appropriate may consult with the School and/or Registry team for their views and guidance.

3.3.3 The Chair of the Assessment Board shall make the final decision and reach one of the following outcomes

  • Null and void previous attempt/s.
  • Dismiss the appeal.

3.3.4 The Chair of the Assessment Board shall consider whether, in consequence of a decision made in accordance with this policy, any decision of the Progression Board should be reviewed.

3.3.5 Once a final academic appeal decision has been made, the student will receive communication from the Complaints and Appeals team. Where applicable, this will follow with a return to study plan provided by the relevant Registry school team directly to the student, course and module leader for all students studying a course at UEL.

3.4 Stage 3: Panel Review Stage

3.4.1 The student can make a request for the Appeal to be considered at a Panel Review. A request for a review may be on limited grounds, including but not confined to:

  • a consideration of whether the outcome was reasonable in all the circumstances.
  • new material evidence which the student was unable, for valid reasons, to provide earlier in the process.

3.4.2 Although each of the grounds listed above will require supporting evidence, the review stage will not consider the issues afresh or involve a further investigation.

3.4.3 Where the student has requested a review of the decision of the members of the Assessment Board or the Mitigating Circumstances Panel , the student will notify the Complaints and Appeal Team in writing, within five working days of the receipt of the decision from the Chair of the Assessment board.

3.4.4 To be deemed valid, such notice of appeal must:

  • state the actual decision appealed against;
  • contain a brief summary of the grounds of appeal, including as appropriate:
  • any respects in which it is alleged that the assessment failed to accord with the regulations pertaining to the course (identifying the regulation(s) which has/have allegedly been breached), or the nature of the material administrative error or other material irregularity relevant to assessment which has occurred.
  • provide evidence, other than the personal testimony of the student, in corroboration of the factual basis of the appeal, or indicate how such corroboration will be provided.
  • state the nature of the revised assessment sought from the Assessment Board, or the nature of the decision sought from the Mitigating circumstances panel.

3.4.5 On receipt of a valid notice of appeal, the University Secretary (or nominee) will check to establish if the grounds for an appeal are met as follows:

  • Were the relevant procedures followed during the formal stage?
  • Was the outcome reasonable in all the circumstances?
  • Has the student received clear reasons why the academic appeal was rejected at the formal stage?
  • If new material evidence has been provided has the student given valid reasons for not supplying this earlier?

3.4.6 If the grounds for appeal are not met, the outcome of the review will be communicated to the student in writing by issuing a Completion of Procedures letter as soon as possible and within 28 days of the receipt of the request for a review.

3.4.7 If the grounds for appeal are met the Complaints and Appeals Office, (acting on behalf of the University Secretary) shall notify the student and make arrangements for a meeting of an Academic Appeals Panel (described below) to hear the appeal, normally within 20 working days of the decision to allow the Appeal.

3.5 Academic Appeals Panel constitution

3.5.1 The Academic Appeals Panel shall comprise a Chair (who shall be a senior member of the academic staff with appropriate experience of assessment procedures) and four other members, consisting of:

  • a Chair of another Assessment Board (or their representative);
  • a member of teaching staff of the University.
  • a member of professional services staff of the University.
  • a trained representative of the Students’ Union.
  • a member of the Wellbeing team

3.5.2 Where possible the University will seek to ensure that the composition of the panel reflects the character of our institution and/or at least one person has been trained in equality and diversity issues. The Academic Appeals Panel will also review, on behalf of Academic Board, academic appeals (upheld and not upheld) from students to ensure consistency of approach. This exercise will take place annually.

3.5.3 No member of the Academic Appeals Panel shall be a member of the school responsible for the course concerned or be involved in the teaching or assessment of the course.

3.5.4 No member of the Academic Appeals Panel shall be an interested party.

3.6 Appeal hearing

3.6.1 The student shall have the right to appear before the Academic Appeals Panel and to be accompanied and assisted by one friend who is a member of the University and may or may not be an interested party. The student will be required to notify the Academic Appeals Panel within 7 working days via appeals@uel.ac.uk . Such a friend may be a Students’ Union representative but not a paid legal representative.

3.6.2 The student and their adviser and the Academic Appeals Panel through its representatives shall have the right to call and to question witnesses.

3.6.3 The Academic Appeals Panel shall be entitled to call witnesses on its own initiative and to call for the production of relevant documents. Any calls for witnesses or relevant documents should be made as soon as possible, and no later than 7 working days before the date of the panel.

3.6.4 The appeal shall be heard only on the grounds stated in the notice unless the Academic Appeals Panel decides otherwise. In the latter event, either the student or the Assessment Board shall be entitled to request an adjournment, appropriate to the requirements of the new grounds to check and share the evidence. If it appears that the adjournment will result in the appeal going into another day, the chair can take the decision to make a referred decision and notify the parties of the decision in writing.

3.6.5 Each party (i.e. the student and the Academic Appeals Panel members ) shall have the right to receive a copy of any written submission that is made on the part of the other within 7 working days of the panel.

3.6.6 The student shall be invited to provide details of any reasonable adjustments that may need to be made for the hearing in order to accommodate the appeal if they have a declared disability.

3.6.7 Where there is a clear justification for doing so e.g., where travel costs are prohibitive or the students mode of attendance makes attendance in person difficult, a request to conduct the Panel via online can be considered. The Chair of the panel will have final say on whether the panel can be convened via online.

3.6.8 If the student does not appear at the date and time scheduled for the hearing the Academic Appeals Panel shall consider whether any reasons advanced for non- attendance are valid, and:

  • if members so judge, adjourn proceedings to a later meeting;
  • if no reasons are advanced, or if they are judged invalid, proceed in the student’s absence.

3.7 Outcome of the Appeal Panel

3.7.1 The Academic Appeals Panel shall be empowered to either:

  • Null and void the attempt
  • Dismiss the appeal

3.7.2 In making a reference back, the Academic Appeals Panel shall state the grounds on which it has reached its decision and what matters it requires the Assessment Board to consider further. The Academic Appeals Panel may make recommendations provided these are not academic judgements and provided that reasons for the recommendations are given.

3.7.3 The Academic Appeals Panel shall consider whether, in consequence of any decision made in accordance with this policy, any decision of the Progression Board should be reviewed.

3.7.4 Assessment Boards may set up sub-boards drawn from their own membership to review the strength and possible effect of the Academic Appeals Panel’s recommendations. The full board shall then meet as promptly as possible to consider the reference back in the light of the sub-board’s findings and shall submit a report of such a meeting to the Academic Appeals Panel.

3.8 OIA and Completion of Procedures

3.8.1 If the appeal is not upheld, this will be communicated to the student in writing by the appeals team. The University will issue a Completion of Procedures letter as soon as possible, or within 28 days of the appeal outcome, if requested.

3.8.2 The Completion of Procedures letter will include a clear explanation and outline the reasons for the decision. The decision should also advise the student about:

  • their right to submit a complaint to the OIA for review.
  • the time limit for doing so.
  • where and how to access advice and support.

3.8.3 Information and eligibility rules are available at: www.oiahe.org.uk

4. Authority of Academic Appeals Panels

4.1.1 The decision of the Academic Appeal Panel is final and there shall be no further appeal against this decision.

5. Training and Awareness

5.1 Training

5.1.1 The University Secretary will organise activities to raise awareness of this Appeals Procedure, and how it is to be used, amongst the student body. The University Secretary will also provide support, guidance and training for staff in Schools / Services on any changes to this Appeals Procedure, its application, and good practice in handling Appeals and resolving them as close as possible to their point of origin.

6. Appeals against annual monitoring review

6.1.1 Students may, in the circumstances set out below, appeal against an annual monitoring review, transfer of research degree enrolment or the outcome of the oral examination of the thesis or other submittal on a postgraduate research course (whether at the first examination or re-examination).

Grounds for an appeal

6.1.2 An appeal may only be made in relation to the decision of our University  based on the recommendation of an annual monitoring review panel, a panel hearing the case for transfer of a research degree enrolment or an oral examination of the thesis or other submittal on a postgraduate research course. Given the existence of procedures for complaint and grievance during the study period (see Part 10 Complaints Procedure), alleged inadequacy of supervisory or other arrangements during the period of study do not constitute grounds for an appeal.

6.1.3 Appeals are permitted only on the following  grounds:

  • That there are circumstances affecting the student’s performance of which the review/transfer panel or the examiners were unaware and which the student, for reasons beyond their own control, was unable to bring to the panel or examiners’ attention at the time;
  • That there is evidence of procedural irregularity, including administrative error, in the conduct of the review/transfer panel or examination of such a nature as to cause doubt as to whether the result might have been different had there not been such irregularity;
  • That there is evidence of unfair or improper assessment on the part of one or more of the monitoring review/transfer panel members or examiners. 

Students may not challenge the academic judgement of the University.

Procedure for dealing with an appeal

6.1.4 A student must lodge an appeal statement to the Appeals team of the University within one calendar month of the date of notification of the decision. Once received, the Appeals team will undertake an initial evaluation to check that the appeal is submitted under the correct procedures, falls within the grounds upon which and appeal may be made (see 1.3), is submitted within the deadline and is in the required format.

6.1.5 In the event that a Formal Complaint is submitted at the same time as an Appeal, the complaint will be placed on hold until the investigation into the appeal has been completed.

6.1.6 The appeal will be considered as soon as possible, and in any event within two months of receipt of the case for review, by three persons drawn from the academic staff of our University having experience of supervising and examining research degrees and who have had no previous involvement in the case, including membership of such committees as have considered it. This will be organised by the complaints and appeals team, with the support and advice of Head of PGR Student Services.

6.1.7 At least one panel member will have received staff development in equality and diversity issues and will be expected to ensure that the appeal is conducted in accordance with the relevant University policy. No research degree student may be a member of a Research Degree Appeal  Panel.

6.1.8 A member of the Complaints and Appeals Team will act as note secretary to the Research Degree Appeal Panel.

6.1.9 The student shall have the right to appear before the Research Degree Appeal Panel and to be accompanied and assisted by one friend who is a member of the University and may or may not be an interested party. The student will be required to notify the Appeals team within 7 working days via appeals@uel.ac.uk

6.1.10 If the appellant does not appear at the date and time scheduled for the Panel’s hearing, the Research Degree Appeal Panel shall consider whether any reasons advanced for non-attendance are valid, and:

  • if members so judge, adjourn proceedings to a later meeting; or
  • if no reasons are advanced, or if they are judged invalid, proceed in the appellant’s absence.

6.1.11 The members of the Research Degree Appeal Panel and the appellant will have the right to call and question relevant witnesses. All witnesses, the appellant and their friend shall withdraw before the Research Degree Appeal Panel considers its decision.

6.1.12 If a Research Degree Appeal Panel agrees that a student has valid grounds for an appeal, it must either:

  • Recommend that Research Degrees Subcommittee invite the review/transfer panel or examiners to reconsider their decision;

or

  • Recommend that Research Degrees Subcommittee appoint a new transfer/review panel or examiners.

6.1.13 A Research Degree Appeal Panel is not constituted as an Examination Board and has no authority to set aside the decision of a review/transfer panel or the examiners.

6.1.14 The secretary to the Research Degree Appeal Panel shall communicate the decision to the Chair of Research Degrees Subcommittee, the appellant and the Chair of the review/transfer panel or Chair of Examiners within five working days of the last meeting of the Research Degree Appeal Panel.

6.1.15 There shall be no appeal against the finding of a Research Degree Appeal Panel. Allegations of procedural irregularities in the conduct of an appeal may be heard by the Vice-Chancellor and President (or nominee) who may, at their discretion, require the Research Degree Appeal Panel to reconsider the case.

6.1.16 If the appellant has exhausted the internal procedures and is not satisfied with the outcome, they may request that the case is reviewed by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIAHE) which is a body independent of our University.

6.1.17 The grounds and eligibility for review shall be determined by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.

6.1.18 The findings of any case considered by the Independent Adjudicator shall be considered directly by Academic Board. Academic Board shall take into account the recommendations of the Independent Adjudicator in reaching a final decision on any action to be taken in response to the Appeal.

6.1.19 The decision of Academic Board is final and there shall be no further appeal against this decision.

7. Links to Related UEL Policies

All policies listed can be found on our student policies page

Dignity at Work and Study Policy

Equality and Diversity

Policy Data Protection Policy

Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Policy

Fitness to Study Policy and Procedure

Fitness to Practice Policy and Procedure

Non-Academic Misconduct Policy

Manual of General Regulations

Part 8 - Academic Misconduct

Student Charter

Collaborative Partner Institutions

Students studying for a UEL award at another institution under the University’s collaboration and partnership arrangements are referred to in Appendix A.

Appendix A

Group Appeal

  1. Where a group of students wish to submit a collective appeal, the group should nominate a spokesperson to act as the channel of communication for the group. However, the appeal form must contain the names and signature of all of the other students in the group.

Students studying on partner courses

  1. The University makes awards to some students studying courses at partner institutions. A student on a course at a partner institution may make use of various University services. The University has overarching responsibility for the quality and standards of the academic courses offered by these institutions
  2. Students on such courses may complain to the University on matters related to the quality of their academic course. Appeals can be made direct to the University as the marks for students studying at partner institutions are ratified at UEL Assessment Boards and by UEL Chairs.
  3. An annual summary report of student Appeals in partner organisations will be received by Board of Governors and a record will be retained.

Students studying on apprenticeship courses

  1. 1    For end point assessments (EPAs) on integrated degree apprenticeship courses, if an apprentice or their employer, for any reason, considers that the apprentice has been wrongly refused access to fair assessment and wishes to appeal, they should follow the UEL’s appeals policy and procedure (as UEL acts as the end point assessment organisation (EPAO).
  2. 2    For end point assessments (EPAs) on non-integrated degree apprenticeship courses, if an apprentice or their employer, for any reason, considers that the apprentice has been wrongly refused access to fair assessment and wishes to appeal, they should follow the third-party end point assessment organisation (EPAO)’s appeals policy and procedure.

Appendix B

Guidance Notes to accompany the UEL Appeals Procedure

Appeals to the VC and other senior members of staff

If an appeal is made to the Vice -Chancellor’s Office or the Office of any Senior Manager, it will be referred to the Complaints and Appeals Team who will ensure that it enters the procedure at the appropriate point.

Reimbursement of expenses

If an appeal is upheld, the University will meet any reasonable ‘out of pocket’ expenses connected with the Formal stage of the Appeals Procedure, on production of receipts; this may include travel and subsistence costs in connection with the student’s attendance at a complaint hearing (if any).

Support for students and Appeals from third parties (including representation from MP’s)

Students may seek advice from the Students’ Union (where applicable) in relation to bringing an appeal and may request that a Students’ Union officer accompanies them to any meetings associated with the appeal. The University will not accept Appeals from third parties except where they are acting as the students’ representative with the student’s written consent. Any communication with a third party must comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018 including all Data Protection principles.

The Data Protection Policy, Information Security Policy and the University Data Protection pages set out specific obligations around contact with third parties.

In providing permission for the University to correspond with a third party (or by appointing a Member of Parliament to make the appeal on their behalf), the student shall accept that this may include disclosure to the third party of relevant information.

Investigation and supporting information

Students are expected to provide at the time of submission of their appeal, all relevant documentation or other evidence and details of all issues which they wish to be taken into consideration. Where this is not possible for good reason, students are expected to indicate what documentation or evidence is to follow. The person receiving the appeal shall be entitled to impose a reasonable deadline by which this further information should be provided by the student.

Equality and Diversity

These internal regulations of the University and their associated policies and guidance will be operated in accordance with its Equality and Diversity Policy.

Reasonable conduct

It is expected that students, their representatives and staff members should act reasonably and fairly towards each other in good faith and respect this Appeals Procedure. The University has a responsibility to protect its staff against unacceptable behaviour according to its regulations and policies and action will be taken for any abuse of process.

Confidentiality

Appeals will be handled with an appropriate level of confidentiality, with information released only to those who need it for the purposes of investigating or responding to the appeal.

Data Protection

Any personal data processed as part of the Appeals procedure including manual or electronic data is in scope of the Data Protection Act 2018 which places obligations on UEL around the collection, use, storage, dissemination or destruction of such data. Therefore all those involved in the process should ensure that they follow the University's Data Protection Policy when handling personal data. 

Reporting and Monitoring

All Appeals considered under the formal stages of this Appeals Procedure will be recorded and reported annually by the Complaints and Appeals Team. This will detail the number of Appeals as well as the outcomes and will highlight any potential areas for enhancement or lessons learned.

Partner institutions will also be asked to submit an annual report on any appeals. These reports will be collated with information on University level reviews so that an annual report of all Appeals can be provided to Academic Board.

The Complaints and Appeals Team will oversee the tracking of Appeals and recording of key data on behalf of Board of Governors. All data held will be monitored in accordance with the Equality and Diversity Policy and reported on an annual basis to the Board of Governors. The annual report will identify and evaluate any issues for which further action needs to be taken.